Presented in this book are quantities of data, gathered during many years in my practice of chemistry, either as resident chemist in manufacturing plants, or as a consultant to the soap and related industries. The style is didactic and such that it may readily be understood by non-technical personnel. Involved theoretical and technical discussions have been avoided. As far as possible, references have been included at the end of each chapter.

Although much of the information contained in this work is well within my own experience, much of it has been gleaned also from manufacturers' technical bulletins or through private correspondence. Many patents have been cited, merely as examples of products discussed; this is not to be construed as recommending the infringement of any such patents. The various formulations are presented in good faith, but no warranty is given, nor is freedom from any patent to be inferred.

With a little ingenuity on the part of the reader, many useful and efficient products may be made along the lines discussed, without in any way infringing on patented products. Because of numerous factors affecting results, all the formulations cited herein, although believed to be reliable (most of them having emanated from the greatest laboratories in the world) should be tested thoroughly.

It is especially recommended that manufacturers make their own tests to determine the suitability of the formulations, for the specific applications intended. I am indebted to the manufacturers of the many chemicals named in the book, for information which I gathered either from direct correspondence or from their technical bulletins; also for their many samples with which I compounded some of the formulas.

Special mention should be made of those companies that supplied photographs of equipment and installations depicting various processes. I have tried to include all information pertinent to each formula, and credit has been given to all identified suppliers, so that additional information, if needed, may be obtained from the manufacturers of the basic materials used.

Finally, I am grateful to the publishers for valuable assistance in the organization and presentation of my quantities of material which now comes out as not merely a second edition of my Oil, Fat, and Soap, but as a much more comprehensive new book.